Welcome to Niseko
Japan's Powder Capital
Join the YES Team this February in Niseko, located on the north island of Hokkaido, Japan. Niseko is renowned for its impressive amounts of fluffy, dry powder.
A Niseko ski training course is the ultimate way for any skier to improve their off-piste powder riding technique! There are some great beginner powder bowls as well as ample terrain for the experienced skier - not to mention the famous tree runs!
The sheer amounts of fresh powder experienced in Niseko means you are virtually guaranteed out-of-this-world conditions in this out-of-the-ordinary ski resort!
YES Accommodation:
BAB Lodge
Our home in Niseko is the BAB Lodge; situated in the main village with free shuttle bus stop 30 metres away. BAB Lodge is being revamped this summer by its new owners; it boasts big open living spaces and also backs onto native bush, so its a very relaxing spot. BAB is right opposite Lodge Bamboo so next to shuttle bus stop number 4.
Accommodation is based on twin and triple share pension style with single supplement available; there are 11 rooms and we can accommodate a maximum of 24 people. This accommodation also includes breakfast servced daily.
Flights & Transfers
- We recommend that you fly directly to Sapporo, New Chitose International Airport (CTS).
- The full Niseko YES program includes door to door transfers from New Chitose Airport to your Niseko accommodation. Transfers take approximately 2.5 hours.
- Please note, transfers are subject to availability. Timetable may change without notice.
- If you have arranged your own accommodation, contact YES to book your airport/resort transfers with SkyBus.
On Arrival
- Saturday (program start date) is arrival and departure day.
Check in for YES accommodation is 4pm and check out is 9.30am. - If you are not booked on the full YES program, please call the YES representative in Niseko using the number provided with your documentation to confirm your arrival.
- If delayed in transit please call and advise your situation.
- Sunday is the first day on snow to find your feet with a guided tour around the Hirafu ski area.
- We meet at 8.30am at BAB Lodge, located opposite Lodge Bamboo. For more info have a look at the Hirafu Village Map (BAB Lodge is #3).
Itinerary
Here is a sample itinerary for a week with YES in Niseko.
Shopping & Eating
The village of Hirafu is filled with boutique retail and souvenir shops. There are a few western style restaurants and cafes serving pasta and pizza and a number of western style bars open until the early evening. Check out Japanese Restaurants and bars, We recommend:
- Izakayas (Japanese bar snacks and drinks).
- Yakitori (barbeque, Japanese style)!
- Sushi (using fresh local produce).
- Rahmen (noodle dishes). We highly recommend the 'Kani Rahmen' (Crab noodle) at the base of Hanazono .
- Curry (all readily available in the village and in the mountain restaurants).
Activities
- Night Skiing – Niseko offers the largest lift area for night skiing in Japan, and is rarely crowded.
- Backcountry tours
- Snowmobiling
- Snow rafting
- Cat Skiing/Boarding
Onsens - Hot Springs
Onsens are naturally heated volcanic hot springs and are an institution in Japan. It is a perfect way of relaxing at the end of the day. Unlike typical western style hot tubs/spas, onsen hot springs are essentially a communal bath and are generally single sex, where women and men bathe separately. Nudity is mandatory in onsens, and swimsuits are strictly forbidden for hygiene reasons. Many hotels and resorts in Hirafu are built around the onsens.
